How to Use Tracing Paper to Transfer an Image to Watercolor Paper

Tracing paper is an easy way to transfer an image onto watercolor paper before you paint. Outline the image in pencil, flip the tracing paper over so the pencil side faces your watercolor paper, then trace over the lines again with firm pressure to transfer them.

Why This Matters

Tracing paper is a fun, easy tool for getting an image you want to paint onto your watercolor paper, without redrawing it from scratch. In the reel, I wanted to paint a bison from a coaster image, so I used tracing paper to transfer the outline.

The transfer works because of the graphite from your pencil. When you trace over the lines on the back of the tracing paper, that graphite is pressed onto your watercolor paper, leaving you an outline ready to paint.

Try This

Here is the full process:

1. Place the tracing paper over your image and outline it with pencil. Press so the lines are dark, not too light.
2. Pick up the tracing paper and turn it over, so the side with the pencil lines is against your watercolor paper.
3. Trace over the lines again, pressing firmly enough to transfer the pencil onto the paper.
4. Remove the tracing paper and paint.

Make your pencil lines dark and press firmly, because you need plenty of graphite to transfer.

If you want the image to stay in its original orientation, it only takes one more step. After you trace the original outline, turn the tracing paper over and trace that first outline on the back. Now you can place the image in its original orientation and trace over it once more.

Want to Go Deeper?

If you'd like another way to get a drawing onto your paper before you paint, you may find this related Quick Tip helpful:

How to Sketch Before Watercolor Painting

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